American Bandstand: West Philadelphia's Seven Year Wonder 1957-1964
American Bandstand Historical Marker
This historical marker recalls Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, which was broadcast from West Philadelphia from 1957 to 1964. The marker stands opposite 4548 Market Street (not shown here), which once housed WFIL-TVand its Studio B, the original home of American Bandstand.
1957–1964
Dick Clark’s iconic American Bandstand, a popular TV program targeted toward teenage consumers, marked Philadelphia as the national epicenter of pop music during its seven-year run at ABC’s affiliated station WFIL-TV at 4548 Market St. Clark showcased black R&B and rock ‘n’ roll performers even as he and his producers segregated the studio’s dancefloor and the show’s white teenage dancers adapted black dances for white audiences.
Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, a popular though controversial TV program targeted toward teenage consumers, marked Philadelphia as the national epicenter of pop music during its seven-year run at ABC’s affiliated WFIL-TV at 4548 Market St.